HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thirteen Pennsylvania farm families are working to transition to organic production through a program that provides funding, educational resources and other support, acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said today.

"The Path to Organic grant program is a significant investment in the future of the state's agriculture industry," said Redding. "Consumer demand for organic products has grown, and some producers are beginning the long and expensive process of transitioning their production practices and marketing strategies to meet this increased demand. Through this grant program, we can help producers make the transition and remain profitable into the future."

The program also evaluates organic production practices as tools in improving soil health, protecting water quality and gathering atmospheric carbon on a pilot basis outside of the traditional research environment.

"Pennsylvania is leading the way in reducing pollution into the Chesapeake Bay, and this program is another key part of our efforts," said Redding. "By evaluating organic practices as tools in improving soil health and water quality, we can advance our understanding of how to continue to improve the bay."

Producers enrolled in the Path to Organic program are eligible to receive up to $7,500 in a single calendar year or $30,000 in a four year period for reimbursement costs directly related to organic transition, including building, machinery and equipment, and operating costs.

In addition to funding, the program works with producers to set up transition teams that meet regularly and include finance professionals, organic experts and other organic producers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program requires a three-year transition process for farms to be certified as organic.

The 13 operations participating in the grant program represent the diversity of Pennsylvania agriculture, from dairy and livestock operations to vegetable, fruit and other specialty crop growers.

The producers selected for the program are:

• Stanley Chepatos and John Hollway, a produce, fruit and livestock community-supported agriculture farm in Cherry Tree, Indiana County.
• Barbara Dietrich, a produce and fruit farm in Oley, Berks County.
• Alvie and Monic Fourness, a garlic farm in Coudersport, Potter County.
• Bob and Lucy Gillichbauer, a produce, fruit and grass-fed beef operation in Lancaster, Lancaster County.
• Cindy Goril, a produce farm in Strongstown, Indiana County.
• Mary Hill, a goat and cow dairy, livestock and crop operation in Hamburg, Berks County.
• Jeff and Mandisa Horn, a produce community-supported agriculture farm and livestock, egg and game bird operation in Manns Choice, Bedford County.
• David Martin, a dairy farm in Port Royal, Juniata County.
• Arthur and Jane Metzger, an orchard in Coudersport, Potter County.
• Christy Phillips, a produce and poultry community-supported agriculture farm in Muncy, Lycoming County.
• Michael Travis, an orchard in Fairfield, Adams County.
• Lamar and Cathleen Wadel, a dairy farm in Shippensburg, Cumberland County.
• David White, a produce and fruit operation in Jermyn, Lackawanna County.

The Path to Organic grant program is coordinated through the department's Center for Farm Transitions, which provides consultation and resources for producers looking to enter farming or transition their operation to new markets or future generations. For more information about services offered by the Center for Farm Transitions, visit www.IPlanToFarm.com or call 1-877-475-2686.

For more information about the Path to Organic program, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "Programs" and select "Path to Organic Transition (CFT)" under the program selection menu or call Jared Grissinger at 1-888-PAgrows.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us
http://www.iplantofarm.com/